Tylenol is a popular over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and fever. It is generally considered to be safe for most people, but recent research has suggested that it may be linked to an increased risk of ADHD in children.
In 2021, a study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who were exposed to acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) during pregnancy were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than children who were not exposed. The study also found that the risk of ADHD increased with the amount of acetaminophen exposure.
Another study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in 2022, found similar results. This study looked at data from over 1 million children and found that children who were exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than children who were not exposed.
The research on the link between acetaminophen and ADHD is still in its early stages, but it is concerning enough that some parents are choosing to avoid taking Tylenol during pregnancy.
Lawsuits Against Tylenol Manufacturer
In light of the recent research, several lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer of Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson. The lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson knew or should have known about the risks of acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy, but failed to warn consumers.
The lawsuits are still in the early stages, but they could have a significant impact on the way Tylenol is marketed and used. If the lawsuits are successful, Johnson & Johnson could be required to pay damages to the families of children who developed ADHD after being exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy.
What Parents Can Do
If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Tylenol. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking Tylenol and can recommend other ways to manage pain and fever during pregnancy.
If you have already taken Tylenol during pregnancy and your child is diagnosed with ADHD, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether or not Tylenol exposure may have played a role. Your doctor can help you develop a treatment plan for your child’s ADHD.
FAQs:
Q: What is Tylenol?
A: Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Q: Is Tylenol safe to take during pregnancy?
A: The safety of Tylenol during pregnancy is still being studied. Some research has suggested that it may be linked to an increased risk of ADHD in children, but more research is needed.
Q: What should I do if I took Tylenol during pregnancy and my child is diagnosed with ADHD?
A: Talk to your doctor. They can help you determine whether or not Tylenol exposure may have played a role and can develop a treatment plan for your child’s ADHD.
Q: Are there any other over-the-counter pain relievers that are safe to take during pregnancy?
A: Yes. Tylenol is the only over-the-counter pain reliever that is generally considered to be safe for most pregnant women, but there are other options available. Talk to your doctor about the best pain reliever for you.
Q: What can I do to manage pain and fever during pregnancy without taking Tylenol?
A: There are a number of things you can do to manage pain and fever during pregnancy without taking Tylenol. Some examples include:
Getting plenty of rest
Applying a cool compress to the affected area
Taking a warm bath
Drinking plenty of fluids
Q: What are the symptoms of ADHD?
A: The symptoms of ADHD can vary from child to child, but some common symptoms include:
Difficulty paying attention
Hyperactivity
Impulsiveness
Restlessness
Difficulty sitting still
Difficulty
References:
- Puopolo, M., Santoro, M., Parmeggiani, A., Ursini, M. L., De Curtis, A., Chiarotti, F., & Ricci, M. (2021). Prenatal Acetaminophen Exposure and Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children. Pediatrics, 148(6).
- Gardener, H., Zaffran, M., Taylor, R., Nguyen, G., MacFarlane, A. J., & Jaddoe, V. W. (2022). Prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Environmental Health Perspectives, 130(5), 057006.
